Regarding My New Ranger

[RangerFella]

Heya guys...I just got my hands on a gem of a truck...and I have a few questions about it.

To start off, it is a 1997 Ford Ranger 2.3L I4 5-speed 2WD Supercab w/ ~65k miles.

First, since I've never driven anything even close to comparable to a Ranger, is it normal for these trucks to be...all but a slug in molasses? The engine runs great...it's just kind of feels like it's got something holding it back.... But that may just be my imagination and I'm not used to driving something with so little power.

My second question is about the max RPMs on these engines. What is the red-line on these four cylinders? I was thinking of getting an inexpensive tach. to monitor/keep track of RPMs.

My third question is just more of a general one. The truck itself has been kept up with but...are there any 'look out for this' problems that occur with these trucks? Like, something I should check out? It's current on emissions and mechanical work but...maybe someone knows of a known problem with the '97 Rangers.

My last question is in regards to aftermarket radios and the speakers that are in the truck. First, it already has an aftermarket Sony CD deck but it's breathing its last breath as we speak so...it's being replaced by a newer Sony Xplod. Is there any reason why a newer Sony wouldn't just drop right in? Maybe even the wiring harness will fit too? Second, what about the speaker sizes? What are the common sizes for the doors and behind the front seats? I've found conflicting answers regarding this.

Thank you, in advance, for answering my questions! Remember, everyone was a newbie at some point

-Red

 

[98ranger4x4]

as far as power is concerned, yes that is normal with the 4 cyl. they definitely dont put out a whole lot of power. i had one before i got my v6 and that was part of the reason why i sold it, other than that i loved it, it got a lot better mileage than i do now too (with the 3.0). congratulations on the new find!

 

[alaskan155]

112hp @ 4800rpm is stock for the 2.3 after 4800 rpm it just drops off, 6x8 speakers front and rear

 

[4x4junkie]

The 4cyl engine is definitely no speed demon, but the description "slug in molasses" kindof make me wonder if the gearing is wrong.

Do you know what gear ratio is in the rearend? And are the tires stock size?

 

[RangerFella]

No, I don't know what the gearing is, unfortunately. The tires that are currently on it are pretty small road tires so...it's not like it has mud tires or anything on it. It has the factory alloy rims on it so I don't think anybody has messed with that. I think you are right about it being geared wrong because it bogs down if you shift it into 3rd before ~37-38mph on flat ground...

 

[4x4junkie]

Stock size tires were probably P215/70R14 or 225/70R14 on that truck (about 26 - 26½" diameter). It should say on the door sticker the OE tire size.

Also on the door sticker is a code for the axle, unless you think the axle might have been swapped out at some point, that should tell you what gear it is (also you can look for an ID tag on the axle itself, then cross-reference it in the Tech Library).

 

[Young_unn]

No, I don't know what the gearing is, unfortunately. The tires that are currently on it are pretty small road tires so...it's not like it has mud tires or anything on it. It has the factory alloy rims on it so I don't think anybody has messed with that. I think you are right about it being geared wrong because it bogs down if you shift it into 3rd before ~37-38mph on flat ground...

im running 235 75 r15 and i usually shift into 3rd at 35 when im pushing it, i usually shift into 3rd just below 25, i can even do 25 in 4th

 

[Insanejughead]

I am wearing 225/70R14" with a 8.8" rear end with 3.73 guts. If I drive easy, I'll shift into third at 25mph or just over. Normally I shift at or just above 30mph. If I'm trying a racing start, I won't shift out of third until I get somewhere between 55-60mph (depends mostly on the slope I'm on.)


Also, is your check engine light on?

 

[RangerFella]

Nope, no check engine light...

It runs really good, doesn't smoke, and starts right up every time. All the gauges are normal.

One thing I did notice is that sometimes (not ALL the time) the clutch doesn't fully disengage during shifting...the stick 'jerks' or 'jumps' when you put it into first, or when changing from one gear to another. Granted, it's nothing major, but I can definitely feel it. That's probably just a hydraulic problem though, right? Might just need a bleed? Worst case scenario it needs a new master and slave? It's not like the gears grind or anything...and as far as I can tell the clutch doesn't slip.

As far as the gearing goes...I'm really not sure what's up with it. I have a 1997 Ford Escort SE w/ the 2.0L I4 and a stick and...that car would smoke this Ranger, hands down, even with its over one hundred thousand mile old clutch on it. I never really considered the Escort to be any kind of sports car but the acceleration difference between the Escort and the Ranger is...unbelievable. Also, the high 30's speed is just normal driving, not racing or anything, just normal driving down the road. If I shift it [the ranger] into 3nd at 25-28 like I would on the Escort, it completely lugs the engine and it makes that 'noise', which sounds like rattling. The escort makes the same sound when it's in too high of a gear. I'm not sure what the 'sound' is but I don't think it's anything bad. If I was trying to race, which would be a pointless endeavor, I think the truck would stay in 2nd all the way up into the mid 40s. That's not normal, is it?

Here's a pic of the truck and its tires:

Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it. And, also, I just dropped a new Sony xPlod (CDX-GT510) CD Deck in it. No problem!

 

[Black'03LevelII]

well she sure is a pretty lil' truck, looks nice and clean adn no major body problems. as far as your motor goes not sure what to tell 'cept the weight difference between the 'scort and the ranger is quite a bit, which might be why she seems so much slower. just start savin all you nickels and dimes and do a 4.0 swap down the road

 

[RangerFella]

Thanks I'm not ruling out the 4.0 idea

 

[PaleBlue90]

could it be a plugged cat?

 

[Insanejughead]

Hmm... That makes me wonder...

I can shift into 4th at 20-25mph and have no problems.


Not getting out of 2nd until 40mph to get power... that's not right.

I wish I could help more.

 

[metalmacguyver]

look on your door tag and see what the axle code is. then look here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html to see what axle gears you have.

 

[RangerFella]

I could find no such code...where exactly is it going to be? I looked on both doors..